Newborns

New Mom Series: Infant Bathing

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Warning: the images in this post may cause cuteness overload. 🙂

Welcome to Gugu Guru’s New Mom Series, where we provide helpful information for new and expecting moms about preparing and registering for baby. For this Safe Infant Bathing feature, we have partnered up with mama Krista Horton, 4moms, Little Giraffe, and Babyganics.

Tip: When your baby is brand new, most experts recommend that you stick with sponge baths for a few weeks, or at least until their umbilical cord stump falls off. Your newborn won’t need a sponge bath every day; two or three times per week is fine. This is because your little one can lose body heat very quickly. Using a warm washcloth (you don’t really even need soap for the early days), just give baby a quick once-over and then snuggle them in a cozy towel.

Krista Horton’s 3 month old daughter is ready to start bathing in an infant tub. The first step? Reading up on Bathtime Safety!

Baby Bathing Tips:

Collect all bathing materials before starting the bath.
Typically the water temperature for baby should be 90-100 degrees.
Never lift the tub or seat with baby in it.
No water should be in adult tub or sink.
Keep adult drain open when using baby tub.
Bath seats should only be used with child who can sit unassisted.
Ignore distractions – never leave your child unattended.

Based on her lifestyle and budget, Gugu Guru recommended the 4Moms Infant Tub, for Krista’s registry. The 4Moms Infant Tub, may be a Gugu Guru best match for you if: you live in a house (i.e., more space), your budget is “middle of the road” and you like a modern aesthetic .

In Krista’s words:
“This tub does all the dirty work for you. I love that it monitors the temperature for you and beeps if the water is too hot. I also love how it filters out the water during the bath so my baby could have warm, fresh water the entire bath!”

For baby’s personal care, Gugu Guru recommends Babyganics Baby-Safe Hero Essentials Gift Set. The set has a variety of essentials for bathing, including necessities like: Moisturizing Daily Lotion, Baby Bubble Bath, Foaming Baby Shampoo and Body Wash – all in a delicious Chamomile Verbena scent. Gugu Guru recommends Babyganics across all registries because of the brand’s affordability and totally responsible and safe formulations.

In Krista’s words:
“I love that the Babyganics products are natural and gentle for my baby’s delicate skin and the fresh, chamomile scent!”

For the bath towel, Gugu Guru recommended the softest and cutest towel to fit Krista’s budget and style — the Plush Hooded Baby Towel from Little Giraffe. Little Giraffe is known for its high-quality, super soft products and signature chenille textiles.

In Krista’s words:
“Cutest, softest little set! I love the material and the size was perfect because a lot of baby towels and washcloths are too small for my liking!”

Bathtime was completed with Babyganics’ Moisturizing Daily Lotion along with some kisses from mom. Squeaky clean…safely.

Featured in this week’s New Mom Series:

Krista: I am Krista Horton, 29 years old, married to my favorite guy and mama to Boston (2) and Kollyns (3 months). I am a stay at home mama and I wouldn’t have it any other way! I absolutely love being home with my babies and we love getting out and about and going on as many adventures as we can!

4moms: 4moms® is a consumer technology company that leverages robotics, technology and innovative design to disrupt and redefine existing industries. The company has transformed the baby gear industry with products like the 4moms origami®, the world’s only power-‐folding stroller; the 4moms mamaRoo® infant seat that replicates the bouncing and swaying motions parents make when soothing their babies; and the 4moms breeze® playard that opens or closes in one simple step.

Little Giraffe: Little Giraffe is known for creating top-of-the-line, luxury baby blankets and newborn essentials. All Little Giraffe products are made from the highest quality, softest textiles, and provide not only comfort, but soothe and calm baby for restful sleep.

Babyganics: When we started families of our own, we found we shared a “grown up” mission: to help parents like us create a baby-safe world. We’d do this by creating a world of products made to go wherever babies go (pretty much everywhere). Because exploring and discovering is a baby’s full time job. Our job—every parent’s job— is to make it safe for babies to do theirs. It’s the best way to make sure they fully develop and thrive.

Join our Mom Creator community by signing up for our email list and receive paid and gifted opportunities with your favorite baby and kid brands in your inbox weekly!

Interested in becoming a mom content creator or influencer but don’t know where to start? Join our monthly coaching membership specifically designed for mom creators.

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Packing your Hospital Bag?

by Gugu Guru Leave a Comment

The number 1 question we get from expectant parents as their due date nears is “What should I pack in my hospital bag?” You have enough to worry about when you’re welcoming your little one. It’s important to get the right items in your bag, but the packing process shouldn’t be overwhelming. Let’s go through some essentials as well as some of those items that you might forget!

Do I need special clothing?

Universal Labor & Delivery Gown | Grey Heather– Kindred Bravely

When you settle into the hospital to start your labor and delivery process, you will most likely be handed a gown to wear. Whether you are ready for a vaginal birth or walking in for a planned C-Section, these gowns are pretty standard. They allow for the needed wires, tubes, epidurals, etc. to be connected and allow your healthcare team access to all parts of your body. Bringing your own hospital gown may add a personal touch to your delivery day. We love Kindred Bravely’s line of Labor and Delivery Gowns.

After helping thousands of moms prepare for this special day, we can also say that simple ways to make your hospital stay cozier can always give you a little peace of mind. A great loungewear set, slippers, and slip-proof socks will also make your time in the hospital a bit comfier.

If you’re planning to breastfeed, you may also consider bringing some clothing to make the process simpler. You will be nursing around the clock, so easy acess is key! We’re huge fans of comfortable nursing bras and tanktops for hospital days. They allow for hands-free nursing as you’re learning how to meet your little one’s hungry tummy. We also love keeping a tank on so you can easily add extra layers (like a zip up sweatshirt) as needed. Check out the Larken X Bra and Kindred Bravely Nursing Tanks for comfy hospital clothing as well as far into motherhood.

Throughout your pregnancy journey, you may have found leggings to be the most comfortable item. Throw a pair in your hospital bag, which can offer gentle, postpartum compression. They are also nursing-friendly, keeping your core supported throughout the early days in the hospital. We love Belly Bandit’s Mother Tucker Leggings (seriously, how great is this name?!).

What about items to help me heal?

In the first few days postpartum, your body is going through a deep recovery. While the hospital will have everything you ‘need,’ there are some better options out there that are easy to slip into your hospital bag.

This recovery can sometimes be a bit messy. We spend so much time and energy learning how to care for our new bundle, that we often forget to take care of ourselves. One thing we love is the New Mom Skincare Set from Earth Mama. We also love Earth Mama’s Nipple Butter and Perineal Balm. Pro-tip: The Nipple Butter is also great for chapped lips, and since the hospital is super dry, a hospital must-have!

A belly band can also be something that supports your core while you heal. If you ask for one at the hospital, they will usually provide you with one. If you’d like to bring your own, Belly Bandit has some great options.

Other things I might forget?

Two things people tend to forget: A cell phone charger and your paperwork/health insurance card for the hospital. Put both of these someplace so you won’t forget. Most hospitals will send you home with quite a bit of information, so you may even want to bring a folder to store everything for later. And don’t forget that cell phone charger! You will be snapping lots of photos throughout your time in the hospital.

Looking for an all-in-one hospital bag solution?

There are two types of moms we work with – those who like to pack their own hospital bag and those who prefer to have it arrive at their home pre-packed with excellent, non-toxic products. Baby Boldly Birth Bags are for both! Their bags come in a variety of sizes, from ‘Minimalist’ to ‘Fully Prepared.’ Full of great items that you may forget, you will have plenty of toiletries, hair ties, and the wonderful ‘grippy socks!’ Designed ‘by mamas, for mamas’ they even offer a Pack-it-Yourself Bag, great for experienced moms who know exactly what they’ll need.

Listen to two of our experts talk about Baby Boldly below:

https://www.instagram.com/tv/CWLu42SFhtW/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

See more top tips:

What to Put on Your Baby Registry
Ultimate Hospital Bag Packing List
Hospital Bag Musts – The things you may forget!

Join our Mom Creator community by signing up for our email list and receive paid and gifted opportunities with your favorite baby and kid brands in your inbox weekly!

Interested in becoming a mom content creator or influencer but don’t know where to start? Join our monthly coaching membership specifically designed for mom creators.

Allergen-Free Round Up

by Gugu Guru 4 Comments

It’s allergy season but for babies that can be year-round. Babies’ skin is sensitive and there’s nothing worse than when they’re having an allergic reaction to something not food-related and you can’t figure out the cause. That’s why allergen-free products are not only healthy for baby but put your mind at ease, too! Read on about some of our favorite products for your baby registry that are allergen-free and then enter to win them all:

Bambo Nature
Looking for an allergen-free and eco-friendly way to diaper your baby, but still want disposable diapers? Bambo Nature is the perfect answer. Made to fit your baby’s growing body, these diapers are free from chlorine, perfumes, optical brighteners and lotions, as well as phthalates, latex, and gluten. Bambo Nature diapers feature a breathable back-sheet, which ensures that the skin can breathe, keeping the skin drier and less prone to rash or infection. Bambo Nature also features hypoallergenic baby wipes and training pants for older toddlers.

Lullaby Earth Breeze Mattress
Babies spend a lot of time sleeping (if you’re lucky!), so many parents are looking for allergen-free and healthy crib mattresses. Lullaby Earth Breeze mattresses are made without vinyl, PVC, and phthalates; they are also free of flame retardants, yet still pass all government flammability standards. In order to provide a waterproof barrier, Lullaby Earth uses food-grade polyethylene and does not contain any polyurethane foam, which is known to “off-gas,” and is not healthy for small babies. But, the best part of Lullaby Earth mattresses are that they are the only crib mattress to offer a breathable surface with a waterproof core; this means that they are completely allergy-friendly for even the most sensitive of babies.

Molly’s Suds
Started by a mom and nurse, Molly’s Suds features laundry powders, cloth diaper wash, and even dog shampoo – all of which are phthalate and fragrance-free, as well as aluminum free. Have a baby with super sensitive skin? You’re going to want to wash baby’s clothing and cloth diapers in Molly’s Suds. With their “no compromise” attitude, you can rest easy knowing that what your baby is wearing, swaddled in, and sleeping in all day long is washed with only healthy, non-toxic ingredients.

Join our Mom Creator community by signing up for our email list and receive paid and gifted opportunities with your favorite baby and kid brands in your inbox weekly!

Interested in becoming a mom content creator or influencer but don’t know where to start? Join our monthly coaching membership specifically designed for mom creators.

“Smart” Registry Round-Up

by Gugu Guru Leave a Comment

Technology is great… when it works! Here we are to discuss some of our favorite “smart” baby products for 2023 that will absolutely make your life with kiddos easy peasy!

Smart Baby Monitors

Gone are the days of the audio-only baby monitors that many parents used to rely on. Now, parents want real-time information about their little ones to keep worries at bay. The newest monitors on the market are able to give you clear video while tracking things like breathing and sleep. They will alert you when your baby wakes up in the morning, your toddler rolls over in bed, or your big kid jumps out of bed to use the potty.

Nanit offers a sleek smart camera with a variety of stand options. They track sleep history and analytics to provide parents with insight into sleep patterns. Pair with their Breathing Wear to keep an eye on baby from anywhere!

We also love the smart monitor by Miku. They have come up with a way to monitor your little one (including breathing) without any wearables. Like Nanit, they have two-way audio and you can check in from anywhere.

Hatch Grow Changing Pad (and Rest Sound Machine)

The biggest worry parents have for their newborn is if he or she is gaining enough weight. Parents tend to track every feeding, diaper, and milestone. However, tracking weight is generally done only at the pediatrician. The Hatch Grow Changing Pad allows you to monitor baby’s weight between pediatrician appointments. While it’s not a replacement for doctor’s weight visits, it will help ease your mind.

Hatch has also secured their place in the smart bedtime routine. Hatch Rest has become a must-have accessory for many of our families, who love to pair the nightlight/sound machine with their smartphone. The Rest + has a laundry list of features, and will last well beyond the toddler stage!

Blueberry Pediatrics

We’ve been at this COVID lifestyle for more than 2 years. As you’ve parented throughout the Pandemic, you have most likely dealt with other illnesses – RSV, Flu, Strep, Ear Infections, Colds, the list goes on. Wouldn’t it be nice to be connected to a team of Pediatricians who were available 24/7, 365 days a year so you could avoid unnecessary trips to the Emergency Room or Urgent Care when your pediatrician’s office is unavailable? You can! Blueberry Pediatrics provides access to pediatricians around the clock. They can help check your child out and even call prescriptions into your pharmacy. No longer worry about your little one getting sick in the evening (or on vacation, like our kids always do!). Don’t take our word for it! See what Cassy – a mom of 3 who spends lots of time at the pediatrician, has to say.

Join our Mom Creator community by signing up for our email list and receive paid and gifted opportunities with your favorite baby and kid brands in your inbox weekly!

Interested in becoming a mom content creator or influencer but don’t know where to start? Join our monthly coaching membership specifically designed for mom creators.

Real Mom Reviews: Nanobébé Flexy Silicone Bottle

by Abby Ludwig Leave a Comment

Your little one is about to arrive and you’re looking to be fully stocked for feeding. Unsure about your feeding path, you feel that it’s best to have some bottles ready to go. How do you select the best bottle for your needs? While the pieces and parts of many bottles may leave you feeling confused, we want to make sure you’ve seen the newest option from Nanobébé. Made from a soft, mom-like silicone, this bottle is easy to use and even simpler to clean. It has a non-collapsing nipple and a very stable base. We reached out to our team of moms to see how the Flexy bottle stood up to everyday use.

Heather

“The Nanobébé bottles are a household fave for our family! They are so easy to use, clean, and put together. My favorite part is that they don’t tip over during late-night feedings on our nursery chair because of the big base. Our baby prefers them over the other bottles we have and so do we!”

Haley

“The Flexy Silicone Nanobébé baby bottle is by far my son’s favorite. The ultra-soft silicone makes breastfeeding and bottle feeding nearly indistinguishable, and the bottle has a triple-vented nipple to prevent colic. The shape is familiar for babies and easy to hold. He latches on wonderfully every time and I love to bottle feed him with this line!

Although not the bottle, I’d also recommend the pacifiers from Nanobébé. The flexy pacifiers are my son’s favorite. He is only one month so many of them fall out of his mouth easily, but this pacifier is easier for him to latch onto even when he turns his head to the side. It’s one of the few that gets him to calm down.”

Jade

“We love love love the Nanobébé bottles!! Especially when it comes to cleaning! Bottle cleaning after a long day is always dreaded, but these bottles have so few parts it makes it not so bad! Also, they can stand on almost anything! I put them down on the arm of the chair as I’m about to feed my little guy and it doesn’t fall over as I rock the chair back to sit down. I really can’t say enough good things about them and choose them over every other bottle we’ve tried!”

Leah

“We tried a few different bottles before I returned to work and the Nanobébé Flexy bottle was the only bottle my babe would take without gulping air. These bottles were an easy transition and didn’t create nipple confusion. The soft silicone makes it feel more like mom vs. plastic or glass bottles too. The bottles are easy to clean and can hook up right to my Spectra flanges. We recently bought the handles that fit right onto the bottles and love them also. The only setback to this bottle is that the silicone takes longer to warm up breastmilk. I usually heat the milk up in a breastmilk bag first to make it faster!” *We did notice that heating up silicone bottles tends to take longer than heating plastic bottles, due to their thick, natural material.

Emmy

“I was skeptical about the soft silicone bottle from Nanobébé with my little ones. Some silicone is too soft and squishy, but boy was I wrong! I love how they feel in my hand and they are always stable when I set them down on the edge of the couch. My babies both take formula easily from these bottles, and I love that even the big 9-ounce bottle doesn’t feel too big. The big bottles also came with the slow flow nipple, which was nice so I didn’t have to worry about finding the right flow nipple for my newborns. The only downside is that I do have small hands and the wide base makes them a little awkward to hold. After the first few feedings, it wasn’t such a big deal anymore, and I actually found that my baby was able to hold the bottle by himself much earlier than other bottles.”

Lexie

“I love these bottles! I’ve used many other brands and these are by far my favorite. They are so easy to clean and assemble. I love that there aren’t a ton of pieces like other bottles. The silicone makes them very easy to grip and the shape is great for him learning to hold it by himself!”

As you can see, our real moms just can’t get enough of the Nanobébé Flexy Bottles. The bottles are modern, convenient, and make feeding so much simpler.

Check out more Real Mom Reviews Here:

Kudos to Kudos Diapers
Crane’s Deluxe Cordless Breast Pump: Our Village Weighs In
On the Go Must-Have: Baby K’tan Diaper Bag

Top 5 Must-Have Essentials: First Night Home With Baby

by Gugu Guru Leave a Comment

What do you really need when bringing baby home from the hospital? Obviously, you won’t need your high chair, convertible car seat, or even the bulk of your little one’s clothing. But there are a few things that you’ll want to have on hand to make your transition to parenthood seamless for you and baby.

A Safe Place to Sleep + Swaddle

It’s easy to forget about setting up a safe place to sleep, as it’s both so obvious and necessary. We look to the AAP when discussing safe sleep recommendations, and follow the ABC’s of safe sleep.

A- Alone : Baby should sleep in his/her sleep environment on their own.
B- Back: Put baby down to sleep on his/her back.
C- Crib: On a firm, flat environment, like a crib (or bassinet/playard) without any extra blankets, stuffed animals, or bumpers.

Baby should also be swaddled tightly with a swaddle blanket or a wearable swaddle.

Easy Clothing Options

It is so hard to avoid buying clothes for your little one. But, the reality is that it’s best to hold off on purchasing too much. Once you know how your little one is growing, it’ll be easier to buy clothes for the right size and season. Stick with onesies and PJs that are easy to get on/off. Check out our full overview of Newborn Clothing here.

Diapers, Wipes, Ointment

Diapers, wipes, and ointment may seem obvious, but sometimes they’re the easiest items to forget. Stock up on one box of newborn diapers and a box of size one. While you may need to order more newborn diapers, all diaper sizing will overlap and you don’t want to end up with too many extras. One container of ointment is great for the start, but stock up on wipes. You will use them for years!

Feeding Supplies

No matter how you are planning to feed your little one, you will want to be stocked with the right supplies. Like every other category, be careful not to overbuy. You won’t need breastmilk storage on day one, but you will want to have your nursing bras/tanks if breastfeeding. If you’re bottle-feeding, you may want to buy bottles in both small and large sizes. However, you really only need large bottles. You can always fill with a small amount of breastmilk or formula! And, make sure to purchase slow flow nipples if your large bottle doesn’t come with them. If you’re going to pump, plan on securing your breast pump before your little one arrives.

Postpartum Care for Mama

It’s easy to spend all of our time and energy putting together the necessities for our little ones, but don’t forget about yourself! You have just delivered a new baby (or possibly babies) and you will need to have some postpartum necessities to make yourself a bit more comfortable. Disposable Underwear, Perineal Spray (or Balm), and Organic Cotton Pads will make you feel just a bit closer to normal.

If you’re recovering from a C-Section, take a look at our Recovery Must-Haves.

5 Mom Hacks you NEED to know!

by Abby Ludwig Leave a Comment

We pooled our Gugu Guides for their top Mom Hacks. The secret products that make life with littles significantly easier. We cover it all! From time savers to problem-solvers, take a look at what our Guides ranked as their ‘need to know products.’

Toni’s Review of Busy Baby Mat

This is one product that Toni “cannot live without.” The Busy Baby Mat will make meal time and play time so much easier. Looking for something to keep your little one distracted while you prepare lunch? Need something to keep them busy so you can fold laundry? Simply looking for a new toy? Busy Baby Mat can do all of this and more. Shop more of Toni’s reviews here.

Rachel’s Review of Bonsie Baby

“It was totally my favorite! I remember emailing the company and asking them if they could make bigger sizes because I loved it so much.” The extremely soft baby bag and hat is not only easy to use, but also promotes the benefits of skin-to-skin with your newborn. They even have an amazing resource guide (a true mom hack) that comes with each adorable set. Shop more of Rachel’s reviews here.

Abby’s Review of Green Sprouts Muslin Burp Cloths

“I cannot say enough good things about them!” The Green Sprouts muslin burp cloths are incredibly soft, absorbent, and will hold their shape after 100’s of washes. They come in simple colors, fold up nice and small, and will stay put covering your entire shoulder. Spread these out amongst every nook and cranny of your feeding area and diaper bag. After your little ones stop spitting up, you can even use as rags or hand towels around the house. Shop more of Abby’s reviews here.

Ashley’s Review of Little Spoon Toddler Plates

“These toddler feeding plates are so convenient. Whether you’re feeding your own kids or looking for a gift for someone else.” Little Spoon offers non-GMO, organic, and nutritious meals for your little ones. They even offer vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free options, making this a great mom hack for any family. Shop more of Ashley’s reviews here.

Dominique’s Review of Green Sprout Feeding Essentials

“This set will be able to grow with her, which I really like.” If you’re looking for a one-and-done feeding set for your littles, Green Sprouts has you covered. Including two spoons, one silicone-divided bowl, and 3 bibs, you will have everything you need to feed your baby or toddler. The bib had an excellent storage pocket, which will also keep messes at bay. Another excellent set of essentials from Green Sprouts. Shop more of Dominique’s reviews here.

Interested in becoming a Gugu Guide? Apply today!

Postpartum Secrets: C-Section Recovery Must-Haves

by Gugu Guru Leave a Comment

Hey, everyone! It’s Monica, founder of Gugu Guru. I wanted to write the introduction to this post because I have had personal experience with an unexpected c-section. In my first pregnancy, I walked three miles almost every day. I couldn’t wait for the huffing and puffing of labor and read up daily on various books and articles covering what I could do during pregnancy to prepare for a smooth delivery. Then when I went in for a regular check-up one day after my due date, the doctor realized that my son was in distress and I was rushed in for an emergency c-section. I was scared, I felt like I had failed somehow – all sorts of emotions. Unfortunately, sometimes things don’t go according to plan and we are forced to roll with it. If you’re reading this because you’re one of those moms who didn’t have it go to plan, I just wanted to say chin up, it’s going to be ok and here are some product suggestions that will hopefully help you recover more comfortably and quickly, while you soak up all the wonderfulness of new mommyhood.

xo Monica

C-Section Recovery Products I Wish I Knew About Sooner

Belly Bandit Belly Wraps

There’s nothing more important for your c-section recovery than supportive, comfortable attire. Belly Bandit has you covered with this postpartum belly wrap. It will support weakened abdominal muscles and is fully adjustable to fit your changing size following your baby’s arrival. Aside from support, wrapping your belly and waist tightly after delivery can speed up recovery. It also provides added support to your lower back, a must-have product for the 4th trimester.

Kindred Bravely Underwear

After a c-section, finding comfortable underwear that doesn’t irritate your incision can be a challenge. Enter these high-waisted postpartum underwear from Kindred Bravely. The soft material is designed to smooth and sit above your c-section line, covering your post-baby belly without digging into your skin. Long gone are the hospital mesh panties or ugly granny panties, these are also made to hold postpartum maternity pads easily and comfortably.

Babymoov Mom & B Pillow

The compact Mom & B Pillow is the perfect pregnancy and maternity pillow combo. During pregnancy, it offers the perfect support for your hips and back. Postpartum, the pillow will support both you and baby as a feeding pillow, extra support when holding baby, and even aid in digestion when baby is laid elevated on the pillow.

TOP Organic Cotton Pads

After baby, things can be a little…messy. These 100% certified organic cotton pads offer superior leak protection, while still breathable and comfortable. TOP pads are available in Super and Regular to fit whatever absorbency level you need. They are free of plastic, toxins, chemicals, synthetics, fragrances and dyes. All the these you don’t want anywhere near “down there” postpartum. Plus, for every TOP purchase, the company donates period products to women and girls in need!

Larken X

No matter how you are feeding baby, a comfortable bra postpartum is a MUST. The Larken X bra provides barely-there support with no awkward holes, irritating elastic, or zippers. You can easily and discreetly nurse in it by pulling up both layers, or pump hands-free without ever having to undress or change bras. We promise you’ll want to live in it day and night (even beyond your postpartum and breastfeeding or pumping days).

Belly Bandit Mother Tucker® Leggings

Mother Tucker® Leggings utilize Belly Bandit’s compression technology to keep your postpartum tummy securely tucked and supported after your c-section. Designed with an ultra-high waist, these leggings provide complete coverage and the postpartum core support you crave. You won’t have to worry about digging into your incision as these “Mothers” provide support without a pinch. Belly Bandit’s Muffinology® Technology (is that not an amazing name?!) gives these leggings soft, breathable fabric that will smooth you from the waist down – helping you feel tucked-in and put-together postpartum.

There you have it! Six products we are sure will make your c-section recovery smoother, and a bit more comfortable. Be sure to check out our Ultimate Hospital Bag Packing List. It covers EVERYTHING you should bring so you won’t miss anything you’ll need for your delivery and hospital stay, no matter what your delivery looks like!

Check out more delivery posts:
C-Section Recovery Essentials with Sarah Stage
8 Postpartum Care Must-Haves for Mama
Expecting Multiples? Our Top Must-Haves
What to Put on Your Baby Registry

Brr-ing on the Snow: Creating a Registry for Your Winter Newborn

by Jenna Hatfield Leave a Comment

You’re about to welcome a winter newborn to your family in the next few months. What items should you add to your registry? What gear will make it easier to care for a brand new baby in the middle of the coldest and darkest months of the year?

We’ve put together a list of our top items that will make caring for your winter newborn feel like a breeze.

Newborn Smart Swaddle Sleepsack

Many newborns prefer being swaddled while sleeping. However, some babies end up waking up due to feeling too hot in the middle of the night. Try a Swaddle Ideal Temp from Halo to solve the problem. The swaddle features IntelliThread fibers which store the heat when your baby is warm and release it back to the baby when they cool off. It’s pretty fancy. If you are dealing with cooler sleeping space in general, we also love the Cocoon Swaddle Bag by ergoPouch which is rated 2.5 TOG and goes from swaddle to sleepsack for a seamless transition.

Winter Newborn Hats

You’ll want to keep your newborn’s head warm when you head out and about during the winter months. There are a billion and one options, from homemade finds on Etsy to this adorable polar bear hat from Melange Collection.

Humidifier

Get ahead of dry skin and congestion with a humidifier for your baby’s nursery. You’ll appreciate how the Crane 4-in-1 Cool Mist Humidifier doubles as a sound machine for your littles’ bedroom. Plus, the built-in light can change colors, making for both a relaxing ambiance and easy way to check on your sleeping newborn. Read more about our favorite humidifier, here.

Newborn Car Seat Cover

If you’ll be lugging your newborn’s car seat in and out of the elements, a car seat cover will help keep your baby warm and dry. The Multi-Use Cover from Copper Pearl will rise to the occasion in style. The cover comes in a wide variety of prints and colors, including seasonal options like this polar bear print. (As an aside, there are matching burp cloths, top knot hats, and more. It seems like a very cute, very slippery slope.) The reason we love these particular car seat covers lies with their multi-use. You can use it as a nursing cover as well or to keep germs away in the shopping cart!

Looking for something that will keep baby warm on the coldest days? Check out the Skip Hop Car Seat Cover, which stays safely on the outside of the car seat, but protects baby from snow, wind and cold!

Stroller with a Rain & Wind Cover Perfect for a Winter Newborn

When you’re feeling well enough to get out and about with your newborn, you won’t want the weather to impede on your energy level. A rain and wind cover for your stroller will help you get out and about when you can while keeping your baby warm and dry. Check out the Larktale coast Carry Cot Rain Cover which quickly snaps to your Carry Cot for the coast. The Carry Cot is perfect for sleeping newborns as well; just clip it on to the Coast Stroller, and you’ll be ready to go for all of your winter walks.

Add in some cozy blankets for cuddling together in your rocking chair as well as other items needed for all newborns, and not just those born in the winter, and you’re ready to welcome your winter newborn!

Gamechanger for Bathtime: Moms Love Bubbsi

by Abby Ludwig Leave a Comment

Looking for a bath routine to top all others? We had five moms test out Bubbsi’s Newborn Starter Set with their little ones. Bubbsi is revolutionizing the bath game. Utilizing coconut oil, they have created a line of bath products safe for newborns battling a variety of skin concerns. Eczema, Diaper Rash, and Cradle Cap be warned, you are receiving your eviction notice! Keep your little one’s skin nourished this winter with Bubbsi.

Abby, 4 year old twins, 17 month old twins, Chicago IL

Having 4 kids with sensitive skin, I am always on the hunt for new skincare lines. Generally, we look for things that are fragrance-free (and sesame-free, thanks to allergies!), tear-free, and easy-to-follow. Some of the skincare lines I’ve tried with my kids have had up to 8 steps, making them nearly impossible to complete daily. Our pediatric dermatologist has always spoken about the benefits of coconut oil, but when I tried putting this on my kids directly, we all ended up greasy and miserable. Enter Bubbsi! The answer to our daily struggles! First off, the bottles are adorable! Quite honestly, they became a nice distraction for my babies during bathtime. Next, they are refillable. No more spending $$$ on new bottles every time you need a replacement, and with 4 kids, it’s often! Lastly, they work! My kids’ skin was nourished, moisturized, and the steps were easy enough for my 4-year-olds to follow without any help. I will definitely be recommending this to my friends!

Anya, 1 year old + 3 year old, Rhode Island

I was so excited to try Bubbsi. I’m always looking for all natural products for my girls. They have super sensitive skin and sometimes get eczema from food allergies and colder weather. I love the fact that Bubbsi is almost fully naturally derived and I don’t worry about putting that on their skin. Both my girls have full heads of hair and I have been looking to try a shampoo and conditioner. The shampoo really cleans well but left their hair a bit dry so you definitely need to use the conditioner with it. The conditioner left their hair super silky with no knots and made it easy to brush out. As for the cream I was shocked. My younger daughter has little spots of keratosis on her arms and they almost went completely away after only one use and the diaper cream left her super smooth and protected. So excited to find Bubbsi and will continue to purchase in the future!

Katherine, 5 year old + 10 month old, North Carolina

I was given the Bubbsi head-to-toe set to try. First off, the packaging was super cute. I love that the packing peanuts dissolve in water! What a great way to help the environment. The products all smell wonderful. It’s a light scent, so it isn’t overpowering at all. My son and I both love the squishy feel of the bottles. The shampoo/body wash, lotion, and balm are soothing to both mine and my baby’s sensitive skin. We also appreciate that it is peanut and tree nut allergy friendly!

Overall, I give it a 5 out of 5! We will definitely be Bubbsi customers for a long time!

Erica, 2 1/2 year old + 9 month old, San Diego CA

I received the Bubbsi product via Gugu Guru and was so excited to try it out. Upon opening the box the smell was wonderful. I tried the body wash and lotion with both of my boys, age 9 months and 2 ½ .

Packaging: Absolutely love the packaging, design, and colors. Both of my boys immediately took to playing with the packaging. With that, I also had to make sure they didn’t have anything without supervision ☺

Feedback: The biggest thing I noticed was due to the consistency of the product and because it is cream-based, the water in the bath got murky. It’s inevitable that my kids put bathwater in their mouths, but this time I was careful to make sure they didn’t. I ended the bath a bit early so I could drain the tub.

Although I LOVED the packaging, smell, and overall look I wasn’t a fan of the creaminess and the residue it left in the tub. The lotion was great, but I found the small was just a bit too much for my kids and I used it on myself.

Thank you to Bubbsi for letting our moms test their products!

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Abby, 4 year old twins, 17 month old twins, Chicago IL

Anya, 1 year old + 3 year old, Rhode Island

Katherine, 5 year old + 10 month old, North Carolina

Erica, 2 1/2 year old + 9 month old, San Diego CA

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